[CecilOne]

While I agree that we are just starting into the real forum season and some topics have been lacking in softball relevance, there is at least a little to learn in each and reading old ones is not a bad idea.

Yes, I dislike the occasional personal insults, some irrelevant comments, and bickering. I do understand that sometimes an answer is so obvious to our veterans that the response is sometimes a bit curt and seems derogatory. I do know from long experience that the most frequent "answerers" not only know what they are talking about, but do care about the forum helping anyone.

We have a long standing understanding of civility to each other and easily welcome any new member; especially those who can ask a question or state a position in the same civil manner with no antagonism. It is also true that new members can be confused by some of the comments (cracks) we share because we have shared this forum long enough to know each other and in some cases know each other personally.

I believe any perception of bullying or downing is mistaken although there have always been a few posters who are combative or unrealistic in their approach and strain the patience of all of us and thereby invite less than friendly responses. Let's all understand that each of us is different, will express ourselves differently, some more articulate, some more blunt, some with words or expressions used in different backgrounds, some often too cryptic (me for example), etc. That way we will all learn and continue helping each other.